The Art Trade Forum – Applications Open

The Art Trade Forum offers participants a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the inner workings of auction houses and art dealerships. It will be useful to those working with collections and wanting to know more about how to interact with the art trade. Participants will learn more about fundraising and creating opportunities for proactive acquisition campaigns.

Apply now to be part of the 2024 Art Trade Forum. Applications are now open for twelve participants to join a four-day residential taking place in London, from 1–4 July.

What Does the Programme Comprise?

The programme is designed around London Art Week and participants will be taken on a series of visits to high-profile London-based art dealerships, auction houses and museums, with opportunities to engage in discussion with art trade and museum professionals. There will be a related workshop with the participation of leading curators and members of funding bodies engaged in providing financial support for acquisitions by museums and galleries. Find details here of our past programmes.

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for individuals at an early stage of their career who have a professional interest and some experience in the sector, and who want to learn about the practices and processes of acquiring art for public collections. The successful applicants will want to build their network and will be willing to participate, collaborate and share their thoughts and experiences.

You can apply if you:

• are an emerging curator, arts professional or researcher
• have a practical interest in the art trade, whether through working in a role with a collection, in an arts organisation, or independently
• are ready to share your thoughts and experiences, and learn from, support and encourage others
• are based in the United Kingdom
• are available to attend the Forum in London between 1–4 July

Access and Funding

We will cover the cost of travel from within the UK and up to four nights’ accommodation in Central London as well as a subsistence allowance. Applicants not in full-time employment or education at the time of the Forum may apply for pro-rata bursaries to support their participation. Additionally, discretionary access funds are available to support successful applicants with specific needs.

How to Apply

To apply, submit a two-hundred-word biography and an abstract of no more than four hundred words outlining your reasons for wishing to participate, what you hope to learn from the Forum and what you will be able to contribute by way of participation in discussion and debate.

Applications should be sent via email to Anthony Tino at [email protected] by 5pm BST on Monday 27 May 2024.

Image credit: Martin Postle and the Art Trade Forum 2023 participants.